Genesis Smart Care: Knee Arthroscopy

Genesis offers arthroscopic surgery for many orthopedic conditions affecting the knee, hip, wrist, shoulder and ankle. Arthroscopy is a surgical technique that allows a doctor to look inside a joint and make repairs while minimizing incisions and trauma to the joint.  As an alternative to traditional surgery, arthroscopy at Genesis is Smart Care, saving time and expense, while speeding recovery.

ACL repair (surgery to the anterior cruciate ligament) is one of our many Smart Care procedures.

How ACL Repair Works

An arthroscope, a long scope with a magnifying glass and light on the end, is inserted into the knee through a small incision. Saline (a salt water solution) is pumped into the knee to expand the joint and allow your surgeon to see the area. Your doctor will explore the area, make additional small incisions as needed, and make repairs, such as grafting tissue or removing bits of bone. Following the surgery, the saline will be drained and the incisions closed.

How to Prepare for ACL Repair

The type of anesthesia depends on the extent of surgery required. If your doctor tells you that you need general anesthesia, you will not be able to eat or drink anything after midnight before your procedure.

Recovery after ACL Repair

Nurses will monitor you during a brief recovery time of one to three hours. Many patients are able to go home the same day. You may receive pain medication and told to use ice to reduce pain and swelling. You may also need to use crutches to avoid placing weight on the knee joint for a period of time. It may be several weeks before you can resume normal activity.

Read more about Knee Arthroscopy.